Sometimes, the practice of faith receives a boost from the sciences. Over the weekend an analysis was posted by the Heritage Foundation which brings together many studies on the benefits of religion. One of the conclusions hints at the breadth of this report.

The available evidence clearly demonstrates that regular religious practice is both an individual and social good. It is a powerful answer to many of our most significant social problems, some of which, including out-of-wedlock births, have reached catastrophic proportions. Furthermore, it is available to all, and at no cost.

The report cites studies which demonstrates the following benefits gained from the religious life.

For example, there is ample evidence that:

• The strength of the family unit is intertwined with the practice of religion. Churchgoers are more likely to be married, less likely to be divorced or single, and more likely to manifest high levels of satisfaction in marriage.
• Church attendance is the most important predictor of marital stability and happiness.
• The regular practice of religion helps poor persons move out of poverty. Regular church attendance, for example, is particularly instrumental in helping young people to escape the poverty of inner-city life.
• Religious belief and practice contribute substantially to the formation of personal moral criteria and sound moral judgment.
• Regular religious practice generally inoculates individuals against a host of social problems, including suicide, drug abuse, out-of-wedlock births, crime, and divorce.
• The regular practice of religion also encourages such beneficial effects on mental health as less depression (a modern epidemic), more self-esteem, and greater family and marital happiness.
• In repairing damage caused by alcoholism, drug addiction, and marital breakdown, religious belief and practice are a major source of strength and recovery.
• Regular practice of religion is good for personal physical health: It increases longevity, improves one’s chances of recovery from illness, and lessens the incidence of many killer diseases.

The gospel of God (Romans 1:2) is the best news anyone has ever heard. It is a declaration of freedom to a world bound up in sin and its consequences. It is a message of freedom. It is an expression of love from the source of love. Indeed, words fail to describe its breadth and magnitude against the affairs of mortal man. Although the gospel reaches deep into the heart and mind of our Creator, its message is stunningly simple: “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:15).

The gospel is a critical message to all lost people. Without it, they remain lost and have no hope beyond this present life. Because the gospel is something to be obeyed (Romans 10:16, 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 4:17), it is imperative that the message be spread among all people. So who will spread the gospel of God?

Will Jesus Spread the Gospel of God?

Yes, but  no, at least no directly. That may be an unexpected answer for some. The gospel does not exist without Jesus. His blood paid the price for our sins and purchased the church wherein the saved are placed by God (Acts 20:28; Acts 2:47). His entire life’s work was to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17), which he did. He came to call men to himself for through Jesus alone is salvation (John 14:6). But Jesus gave the responsibility for spreading the gospel – evangelism – to his disciples. He gave to the apostles the keys to the kingdom so that they could set forth terms and conditions already decided in heaven (Matthew 16:19). Jesus told them to “make disciples,” to go and teach, baptize and teach the lost (Matthew 28:18-20).

Even when he confronted Saul on the road to Damascus he did not there tell him how to be saved but sent him into the city where Ananias taught him (Acts 9:17-19; Acts 22:10-16). Later Paul, speaking of the gospel, said it was a treasure in “jars of clay” (2 Corinthians 4:1-12, note esp. verse 7) which is a reference to the mortal body of man.

The coming of the church on Pentecost was marked by great signs from the Holy Spirit. But it was through the voices of men that the gospel message was preached (Acts 2:14). Our simple minds might think that an appearance of the recently resurrected Lord would be a great boost to the kingdom. But our wisdom is not God’s wisdom. The message was preached, with power, through men. It is the responsibility of men to carry the gospel to the world.

Will I Spread the Gospel of God?

Every Christian is charged with spreading the gospel of God. A man who ignores a burning building and fails to warn those inside is despised and ridiculed. We know we are to sound the alarm and warn others when trouble comes. Likewise, we ought warn others of impending doom.

It was the relatively unknown Andrew who brought his brother Peter to Christ (John 1:40-41). Peter then did great things for the Lord.

There are many excuses offered for failing to warn and teach others. But that is all they are: excuses. We will soon examine some of those excuses here at PSB but it is sufficient to remind that someone loved you enough to teach you the gospel of God. Won’t you do the same for someone else? Do you love someone enough to share a message of liberty with them? Would you discomfort yourself to save man from eternal destruction?

We are still being assaulted by the tolerance police. You know them. They are the ones that think we should be squishy tolerant and accepting of anything and everything. Of course the TP are not tolerant of our beliefs, thoughts and ways.

My Good friend Scott McCown reflects on A New Tolerance Policy at the Morning Drive. Please read it. Scott writes a fine blog.

I wrote an article too a couple of months ago. I called it Has Tolerance Gone too Far? I hope you will read it also and leave a comment.

Tragically, many errant doctrines are taught based upon misunderstandings of this grand volume. Although it is rich in doctrine it must not be set above other inspired writings.  In 1522 Martin Luther did exactly that. He declared the Gospel of John and Paul’s writings to be more important to the Christian. In comparison to Paul’s writings Luther said of the Book of James it “is an epistle full of straw, because it contains nothing evangelical.” He could not reconcile James and Paul and on one occasion said “ I almost feel like throwing Jimmy [James] into the stove, as the priest in Kalenberg did.” While Romans is great it must not be made superior to other inspired books. It can, should and must be understood as part of the greater whole.

Luther was not the only one to sense the greatness of Romans. The letter is placed first among all other letters and immediately follows Acts as the sixth book of Scripture. Dating can confidently be placed within a span from about 57AD – 64 AD. Nero was the Emperor and Paul was probably writing from Greece.

Paul was writing to Christians in Rome that he had not met. The Spirit had not yet allowed Paul to travel to the west although it’s clear Paul desired to make such a journey. He would make the journey later but would do so in bonds (Acts 27:1 ff). It is probable, but not an absolute certainty, that Paul died in Rome at the hands of an executioner.

What can we say of the purpose of Romans? Given the weighty topics, one might say that Paul’s purpose was doctrinal or even theological. But that creates another question: Why write such a deep letter to people he did not know (Romans 1:10)? You might expect such a letter to the Corinthians or the Philippians but why the Romans? We can only speculate. It is unlikely that Rome had ever been visited by an apostle. That being the case Rome may have lacked the depth of the revelation given through miraculous gifts of the spirit. Paul’s letter was to provide the knowledge they needed until such time as an apostle could visit and give the power of the Holy Spirit to some in that great city. Again, this is only speculation. Some who received such a gift could have traveled to Rome. Indeed many there were known by Paul. But it is not unreasonable to suggest that Paul’s meaty letter was to supply what was lacking in his readers.

Romans meets an important need today. In a time when God’s direct revelation has ceased, Romans provides a rich supply of teaching on redemption, salvation, grace, mercy and the relationship of works and law to the present day. Romans met a need in the first century and certainly meets a need today.

It is important to remember that Christianity first arose from within Judaism (Acts 2:41, 47). The Jewish economy and the entire Levitical Priesthood served as the backdrop of this new faith. Nevertheless there were great differences. So while it is necessary to understand Judaism we must also understand how faith in Jesus now completes Judaism and stands alone as the only path unto the Father (John 4:6). Paul shows those differences and brings to the table the grand conclusion that God’s chosen people, the Jews, must find their salvation in the one they despised: Jesus Christ.

Romans is a marvelous book which must be studied for a lifetime. Every return to the tome brings deeper understandings. It must also be studied together in context of the entire Bible. Romans will not contradict any other teaching of God’s word. When studied together with those other books, the reader will grow greatly in the knowledge of his Lord.

(Note to the unknowing; “BFF” means “best friend forever” in texting-speak).

The youth have updated an old saying. We once spoke of our best friend. But they have taken it to a higher level and added and element of timelessness. I remember the guys from my childhood who would both fit into that BFF designation. Jeff and Blake were dear friends. The days of my youth seemed endless. Boy Scouts, camping, hiking, fishing; it seemed like it would never end. But it did. I still keep up with them from time to time thanks to Facebook but I haven’t actually been around either in years. It’s not a bad thing. It just happens.

But there is a friend who is better than a best friend and really is timeless. You know him. He is the best BFF. He is Jesus.

“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

In Jesus’ case these were no empty words. Our friend saw a terrible catastrophe coming our way and, using his own life, saved us from it. Worse than any cancer imaginable, sin kills slowly and with eternal consequences. Jesus gave his life so that we might be saved. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that he did it while were sinners. He did not give his life because we were good or righteous. No. We were utterly helpless. We were “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17).

“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”  (Romans 5:8)

As I write this short note it is Saturday morning. Children will be linking up with their friends to play all day. Adults will hopefully get to spend some time with their friends. But remember: You have a friend in Jesus – the Best BFF.

Paul Finebaum is probably the top expert on Southeastern Conference football. He’s been deeply involved in the sports since the 1980′s when he worked for the Birmingham Post Herald newspaper. Now he has a very sucessful, top rated radio call in show heard around the nation every weekday. He takes calls from throughout the nation and often hosts top tier guests. There is no one better at SEC football news and analysis than Finebaum – but I’ve listened to my last show.

Since the BCS National Championship game the nature and content of the calls have dropped sharply. While Finebaum does not control the callers, he does se the tone by allowing and even encouraging some callers to descend deeper and deeper into vulgarity and profane comments. The Finebaum show has a large community of listeners and most are probably good, upstanding, morally strong people. But the small percentage who do call are often embarrassingly crass.

Today, a caller objected to the light-hearted way many callers have viewed the post-game assault on an LSU fan. The caller was precisely correct but was forced to defend himself before the apathetic Finebaum. It seems that the constant degradation of society and more and more perverse actions are just not that big of a deal. He’s wrong.

As a Christian I am not to love the world (1 John 2:15). I am to be different (1 Peter 2:9-10). So today, I declare my difference in a small way. I’ll not accept that which is little more than trash as “normal.”

Will this have any impact on Finebaum? It’s doubtful. I’ve emailed in the distant past when the show seemed to become less about sports and more about profane comedy. I expect nothing to change. But I do what I think I must.

What do you think?

Football fans are teaching us a lesson about faith.

These early days of January are a football fan’s favorite time. This weekend saw NFL teams fighting it out in the playoffs and tomorrow night Alabama and LSU will face off in  the biggest game in recent memory. Fans are beside themselves. Their eyes are red from watching so many games and reading so many newspaper stories. They are fanatics.

Instead of bemoaning the fact that a football will get more attention this week than a Bible, I’d like to learn something. I’d like to know why football is more appealing than faith. I think I have found a few answers.

Football provides an escape from the daily grind of life.

When you sit down to watch a football game the cares of life seem to fade away. Whether it’s a Friday night high school game or an NFL game nothing else seems to matter for about three hours. For that brief time we escape.

Christians should be telling people that there is an escape from this world too. The word “church” literally means a group of people called together, out of the world, for a purpose. When we assemble together each week (Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:25) we leave the world behind. For a few hours we meet with God and focus on Him alone.

Football is a common topic throughout the rest of the week.

We are better prepared to discuss the ins-and-outs of the sport of we have watched the weekend games. People will talk to complete strangers about the game. Here in the South, football is so big that almost everyone will talk about it.

Christians also have a common topic: victory in Jesus. Every person alive can enjoy that victory. All can win against Satan. Whosoever will  may come to know the Lord and their sins can be forgiven (1 John 2:2). With good news like that, we should be shouting the victory to all people, family and strangers alike. It is odd that we can talk to strangers about a football game but not about their souls.

Football showcases those who give their all on a field of battle.

When we see people like Trent Richardson run headlong into massive linemen we cheer for his strength and talent. These warriors perform at their best week after week.

Like football, Christians also cheer for those who laid it on the line for Jesus Christ. A reading of Hebrews 11 reminds us of all those of whom “the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38); those who gave all they had. Unlike football, we are not simply spectators. We are now on the field and they are watching us (Hebrews 12:1).  Our competition lasts much longer than 60 minutes. We play for a lifetime. Our victory is not a crystal football trophy but a glorious crown which the Lord Himself will give us (2 Timothy 4:8).

There are similarities between football fans and Christians. But it is the differences that make our faith so rewarding. Let us worship like we have never worshipped before. Let us cheer for the spiritual victories like we have never cheered before. And let us live in victory forever as only God’s people can.

The idea of “live and let live” has been corrupted into a an unholy mantra which demands acceptance and even support of immorality and unrighteousness. We must be tolerant of those who choose to take the lives of unborn children; we must tolerate and support the alternate lifestyles of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender groups; we must happily accept the those who practice serial marriages and even those who engage in open cheating on their spouses. In some quarters, voices were raised to tell us we must understand the anger of those who attacked innocents on 9/11.

As with so many discussions, proponents of various kinds of sin gently and quietly change the meanings of the words they use. Tolerance is an excellent example. The meaning of tolerance has shifted. To many, it now means “acceptance.” Trends within our own locale suggest that soon tolerance will mean “support.”

An example will help. If my neighbor practices witchcraft I will not burn his house down. I will not attack him as he works in his yard. I will not stand on the property line and shout insults at him. I will tolerate his presence. However I will never encourage him in his sin. When confronted by his own comments and practices I will oppose him. I will teach my children against his ways and will give air to my thoughts freely. It’s not an acceptable lifestyle.  While I may tolerate it I will not accept or support it.

Tolerance has gone too far.

I need to pause for a moment and make something clear. I do not advocate, nor have I ever, assaults upon anyone who practices unrighteousness. I have both spoken and written about the sin of hatred. That is wrong. Nevertheless, I must not stand by sheepishly while every sin is cast into the Christian’s face while a chorus of the wicked tells us we must not complain. I am told that I must be tolerant of their views while they remain intolerant of mine.

Would Jesus tolerate sin?

Jesus was not tolerant of those who perverted the sanctity of the Temple grounds and sought to profit God’s worship. (Matthew 21:12; John 2:14-15). Other wickedness was not dealt with physically but this assault upon the dwelling place of the Father was too much.

Jesus was not tolerant of ignorant religious leadership. He rebuked Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, because he did not understand basic teachings about the Christ (John 3:1-15). He was hard, even harsh, on the Pharisees and scribes who were leading Israel astray (Matthew 23).

   Jesus was not tolerant of sexual immorality. When was woman was used to try and trap Jesus into a clash between his ways and the Law of Moses he did not tolerate or accept her sin. He told her to “go and sin no more” (John 8:1-11).

Jesus’ inspired apostles were likewise solidly in opposition to sin. Peter was neither tolerant nor understanding of those who watched as Jesus was crucified. He spoke plainly and demanded their repentance (Acts 2:36-38). Paul was not silent concerning homosexuality. He uses some of his strongest language anywhere to condemn that immoral lifestyle (Romans 1:18-32).

We are blessed to live in a place where free speech still reigns. Despite ongoing attempts to label opposition to some sins as “hate speech,” and thus make it illegal, the pulpit remains free as are those who serve the risen King. Let us raise our voice loudly and push back against those who serve the god of their own lusts. Stand for what is right. Speak a word loudly for the Lord!

I awoke one day this week four short minutes before the alarm went off. It occurred to me that an alarm clock offers several lessons about our spiritual life. Let me share some of them.

An alarm clock teaches there is an appointed time for all.

As the clock ticks slowly by it is moving toward a set time; a point when its alarm will sound. Nothing stops it. Even a power outage will not stop the constant movement toward the appointed time. The alarm is going to sound.

The Bible is clear. We all have an appointment to face. Hebrews 9:27 says it is “appointed for man to die once.” Jesus said that appointed time is set by the Father who alone knows the time (Matthew 24:36).  Just as my alarm clock testifies to a set time to alarm, so also has the creator set a time for me to die.

An alarm clock is not affected by my wants and desires.

Most mornings, I’d love to sleep in a few more minutes. Maybe I was late to bed the night before or perhaps a hard time left me in need of more sleep. Maybe I’m just feeling lazy. Regardless, that alarm will sound at 5 AM whether or not I am ready for it.

We all face death. The Lord is coming. Time is running out. Our preparedness, or lack of preparedness, is irrelevant. There’ll be no gentle reminder that minutes remain. Only a certain passage from this life into the next. Many will not be ready (Luke 23:30). Even though there’s ample opportunity to prepare, some will not be ready for His return (Matthew 25:1-13).

An alarm clock can be ignored.

It is possible to hit the snooze button so many times that the alarm will cease to sound. It is possible to turn off the alarm. But ignoring the alarm does not stop time nor does it change your responsibilities. You will still be late for work. You will miss that important meeting.

It is possible to ignore God’s plan warnings. Jesus is coming again (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Many of our friends are sleeping through the alarm right now. They are ignoring the most important alarm they will ever face.  The result? Eternal punishment (Revelation 20:15).

 An alarm clock can be changed and the snooze button can be used.

Finally, there is at least one important difference between an alarm clock and the coming of the Lord.  Not so with God. Some today teach the concept of the rapture. The idea that if you are not ready when the Lord comes you will still have another chance 7 years later. This celestial snooze button is false. The secretive rapture does not exist.

The Lord is coming. Are you ready?

Should our presence in worship be that of a spectator or a participant? It’s a good question and one that is discussed at the Sharefaith blog. I am uncertain as to the religious background of the author but he makes some fine points. He is right on target in suggesting problems with worship in both the liberal and the more conservative faiths.

I commend this article for your consideration and prayerful meditation.